CHILLICOTHE, Ohio —The Ross County Sheriff’s Office has released new information regarding the weekend shooting that occurred in Chillicothe on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the Chillicothe Police Department, deputies from the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, and troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Mulberry Street. Witnesses at the scene stated that two individuals opened fire on a residence along the downtown street, causing panic among residents but resulting in no reported injuries.
According to a deputy’s report, the suspects fled the scene. Law enforcement units quickly coordinated to locate a possible suspect vehicle, which was eventually stopped by deputies near the intersection of East Water Street and Bridge Street. Two juvenile suspects were detained at the scene without incident.
Shortly after, deputies received a radio alert about two additional suspects spotted walking along Scioto Avenue. Officers located the pair near the floodwall bike path and took them into custody.
A police K-9 unit was deployed to search for the firearms used in the shooting. Despite an extensive search of the area, authorities were unable to locate any weapons at the time of the report. According to officers at the scene, the shooting is believed to be gang related.
As a result of the investigation, two individuals have been formally charged:
- Malachi Beatty, 20, has been charged with felonious assault. Authorities indicated that additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
- A 15-year-old juvenile was also arrested and charged with felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon, and discharging a firearm into a habitation.
Both suspects are currently in custody. Beatty is being held at the Ross County Jail, while the juvenile is detained at a juvenile detention facility.
Residents in the area expressed concern over the incident. “It’s alarming! Just look at the number of shootings we have in this city,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. Local gun prevention advocacy group, Brady, issued a statement regarding the shooting saying in part, “Incidents like this underscore the urgent need to reach our youth through intervention and violence prevention programs. It is essential that we provide conflict resolution skills and alternatives to violence for young people before these situations escalate.”
Anyone with additional information on the shooting is asked to contact detectives with the Chillicothe Police Department.